In this episode of The Alternative Mason, host Brittany Mason sits down with Austin Root to unpack the opportunities and misconceptions around alternative investments. Austin shares lessons from his career—from early entrepreneurship and roles at major firms to running North Oak Capital and explains how liquidity, diversification, and goal-oriented strategies shape better portfolios today. Whether you’re focused on wealth accumulation, preservation, or income generation, this conversation offers practical frameworks for incorporating alternatives and lowering portfolio correlations.

Key takeaways:

 * Be strategic about liquidity: accepting some illiquidity can unlock higher returns and unique opportunities.
 * Build goal-oriented portfolios: define whether you’re trying to get wealthy, stay wealthy, or generate income—then tailor allocations accordingly.
 * Diversify beyond 60/40: use lower-correlation assets (alternatives, gold, specialized exchanges) to improve resilience and reduce systemic risk.
 * Trust and resilience matter: align incentives, maintain operational rigor, and choose strong partners to protect capital through market cycles.

Follow The Alternative Mason for more episodes. LinkedIn and social media updates from Banríon Capital Management.

Connect with us below!

 * Austin Root on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-root-97b40a/]
 * Stansberry Asset Management [https://www.stansberryam.com/]
 * Brittany Mason on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-mason-15811641/]
 * Banríon Capital Management [https://www.banrioncapital.com/]

The Alternatives Mason: Building Alts Knowledge Brick by Brick | Episode 34 | Strategic Wealth Creation: Insights into Alternative Investments with Austin Root

In this episode of What’s the Alternative? host Shana Orczyk Sissel sits down with Michael Marone, Co-Founder & Co-Chief Investment Officer at Crescent Rock Capital, a global equity long-short hedge fund manager.

They dive deep into the realities of running a long-short strategy in today’s market—how to think about shorting in a world structurally tilted against short sellers, why “boring” ideas often make the best shorts, and how shifts in market structure, AI, small caps, and deglobalization are reshaping the opportunity set for active managers and allocators.

Whether you’re an advisor, allocator, or sophisticated individual investor, this conversation offers a practical framework for evaluating hedge funds, understanding risk, and positioning portfolios in a changing world.

Key Takeaways:

 * Why effective shorting often comes from “boring,” fundamentally sound companies facing marginal deterioration—not flashy frauds or meme names.
 * How changes in market structure, including the rise of passive investing, have created both headwinds and unique opportunities for active long-short managers.
 * Why small caps may be one of the ripest areas for active management, and how to think about quality, liquidity, and selectivity in that space.
 * How to assess whether “AI is a bubble” by comparing today’s leaders to the dot-com era, and what deglobalization really means for global equity opportunities.

If you’re an advisor or investor looking to better understand hedge funds, long-short equity, and how alternatives fit into modern portfolios, this episode is for you.

Like, subscribe, and turn on notifications to stay up to date on future episodes of What’s the Alternative?

Connect with us!

 * Michael Marone on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-marone-20b853161/]
 *  Crescent Rock Capital Management [https://crescentrockcapital.com/]
 * Shana Orczyk Sissel on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shsissel/]
 *  Banríon Capital Management [https://www.banrioncapital.com/]

Investing involves risk of loss. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

What's the Alternative? | Episode 31 | The Art of Long Short Investing: Exploring Hedge Funds with Michael Marone

Join host Brittany Mason as she sits down with Matt Ober of Social Leverage to unpack his path from Bloomberg to hedge funds to VC and explore how AI and fintech are reshaping wealth management. They discuss why wealth tech is still ripe for innovation, the impact of Gen Z/millennial investors, prediction markets, Social Leverage’s investment approach, and the founder traits that drive success. Matt also shares how AI will change financial services and practical advice for aspiring builders and data scientists.

Key takeaways:

 * Wealth management tech remains outdated — big opportunity for automation and unified consumer experiences.
 * Gen Z and millennial investors will drive platform-led shifts in where wealth is held and how it's managed.
 * AI will boost efficiency and personalization in financial services but must be balanced with human judgment.
 * Early-stage investing favors founder vision, adaptability, and talent over short-term metrics.

Don’t forget to subscribe for more thought-provoking episodes from "The Alternative Mason"!

Connect with us below!

 * Matt Ober on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/obermattj/]
 * Social Leverage [https://www.socialleverage.com/]
 * Subscribe to Matt's Newletter: The Roll Up [https://www.mattober.co/]
 * Brittany Mason on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-mason-15811641/]
 * Banríon Capital Management [https://www.banrioncapital.com/]

The Alternatives Mason: Building Alts Knowledge Brick by Brick | Episode 33| AI, FinTech, and the Future of Wealth Management with Matt Ober

In this episode, host Shana Orczyk Sissel sits down with John Lidington, Portfolio Manager at Man Numeric, to explore the evolving world of liquid private equity—an innovative way that seeks to capture private equity–style returns through public markets.

John shares how Man Numeric’s liquid private equity strategy bridges the gap between public and private markets, offering investors access to private equity–like exposure without the high fees, illiquidity, or lock-up periods of traditional PE funds.

Key Takeaways:

 * How liquid private equity works—and how public equities can be used to seek exposure to certain private equity characteristics.
 * The quantitative and fundamental factors that drive Man Numeric’s approach to identifying companies with private equity–like characteristics.
 * Why more companies are choosing to stay private longer, and what that means for public market investors.
 * How investors can gain private equity exposure without high fees, illiquidity, or long lock-up periods.
 * Practical insights into building diversified portfolios that capture the benefits of both public and private market dynamics.

Watch now to learn how the boundaries between public and private markets are blurring—and what that means for the future of investing.

Connect with us!

 * John Lidington, CFA on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnlidington/]
 * KraneShares Man Buyout Beta Index ETF [https://kraneshares.com/etf/buyo/]
 * Man Group Alternatives Website [https://www.man.com/capabilities/alternatives]
 * Shana Orczyk Sissel on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shsissel/]
 * Banríon Capital Management [https://www.banrioncapital.com/]

Investing involves risk of loss. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

What's the Alternative? | Episode 30| Chasing Liquidity: Cracking the Code of Private Equity with John Lidington

Join host Brittany Mason as she sits down with renowned wealth advisor and financial therapist, Dr. Preston D. Cherry, author of "Wealth in the Key of Life." Join us as we delve into the concept of financial harmony and discover how Generation X can navigate challenges while aligning their wealth with their life's purpose.

In this episode, Dr. Cherry, a proud member of Generation X, discusses the unique traits and hurdles faced by his generation, often dubbed the "forgotten generation." From growing up as latchkey kids to fostering resilience and skepticism, learn how these experiences influence their financial behaviors and retirement preparation.

Inspired by the harmonies of Stevie Wonder, Dr. Cherry advocates for a holistic view of wealth, emphasizing that money should be seen as a partner in life. The conversation also touches on the power of change. Dr. Cherry shares personal stories of transformation and encourages listeners that it’s never too late to rewrite their financial narrative.

Whether you identify as Gen X or belong to another generation, Dr. Cherry’s insights will inspire you to integrate your financial life with overall well-being.

Key Takeaways:

 * Embrace resilience and tailor financial decisions to personal goals.
 * View money as an ally in achieving a fulfilling life.
 * Understand that life’s journey is non-linear; change is always possible.
 * Explore private investments and alternative opportunities to diversify and grow your financial portfolio.

Don’t forget to subscribe for more thought-provoking episodes from "The Alternative Mason"!

Connect with us below!

 * Dr. Preston Cherry on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/drprestoncherry/]
 * Concurrent Wealth Management [https://www.concurrentfp.com/]
 * Buy Wealth in the Key of Life: Finding Your Financial Harmony  [https://a.co/d/8grwPPl]
 * Brittany Mason on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-mason-15811641/]
 * Banríon Capital Management [https://www.banrioncapital.com/]

The Alternatives Mason: Building Alts Knowledge Brick by Brick | Episode 32| Gen X, Money & Harmony: A Wealth of Knowledge with Dr. Preston Cherry

In this episode of "What's the Alternative," host Shana Sissel sits down with Mario Valente, Portfolio Manager and Deputy Chief Investment Officer at Stansberry Asset Management, to explore the evolving landscape of private credit. Together, they discuss how this asset class has grown significantly since the financial crisis, filling the capital void left by traditional banks. Unlike public credit, private credit offers unique challenges and opportunities, emphasizing the critical importance of manager selection and thorough due diligence.

Mario shares insights on the diverse market of private credit, from senior secured loans to niche sectors like B2B SaaS and innovative healthcare. He highlights how effective management can enhance returns through careful loan structuring and why selecting niche managers with operational expertise is essential. Additionally, the conversation addresses how interest rates impact private credit, with managers leveraging their unique positions to maintain stable returns regardless of market fluctuations.

Key Takeaways:

 * Growth of Private Credit: This asset class has become an essential capital provider, particularly for markets often overlooked by traditional banks.
 * Crucial Manager Selection: Choosing the right managers with relevant expertise is vital for successful investments in private credit.
 * Interest Rate Resilience: Private credit can offer stability and consistent returns, even amidst changing interest rates.
 * Niche Market Opportunities: Targeting specific sectors can lead to diverse and lucrative investment strategies.

Join us for this insightful discussion and subscribe to our podcast for more expert insights!

Connect with us!

 * Mario Valente, CFA on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mario-v-valente/]
 * Stansberry Asset Management [https://www.stansberryam.com/fund-1/]
 * Shana Orczyk Sissel on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shsissel/]
 * Banríon Capital Management [https://www.banrioncapital.com/]

What's the Alternative? | Episode 29| Beyond the Bank: Private Credit Confidential with Mario Valente

Join Brittany Mason in this enlightening episode of The Alternative Mason as she interviews Emily Binder, founder of Beetle Moment Marketing and Wealth Voice. They discuss the importance of having an informed point of view for building a strong brand, the evolving role of authenticity in content marketing, and strategies for overcoming a traumatic relationship with money. Emily also shares her journey into finance and marketing, the significance of self-advocacy, and the impact of AI on content creation.

Key Takeaways:

 * Developing a clear and informed point of view is crucial for differentiating your brand.
 * Authenticity fosters trust and strengthens your connection with your audience.
 * Starting investments early builds financial resilience and long-term wealth.
 * Understanding and leveraging social media algorithms can boost your marketing efforts.
 * Embracing mindfulness, meditation, and managing stress improves energy and productivity.
 * Future trends include AI, cryptocurrency, and innovative content strategies.

Connect with us below!

 * Emily Binder on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilybinder/]
 * Beetle Moment Marketing [https://beetlemoment.com/]
 * Emily Binder's Website [https://emilybinder.com/]
 * Brittany Mason on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-mason-15811641/]
 * Banríon Capital Management [https://www.banrioncapital.com/]

The Alternatives Mason: Building Alts Knowledge Brick by Brick | Episode 31 | Navigating AI & Authenticity: A Dive Into Branding with Emily Binder

In this episode of What’s the Alternative, host Shana Orczyk Sissel sits down with Bob Elliott, Founder, CEO & CIO of Unlimited Funds, to unpack the true potential of alternative investments for advisors and investors. They cover hedge fund fees, the rise and struggles of liquid alternatives, global macro and managed futures, hedge fund replication challenges, and Unlimited Funds’ HFND flagship — plus upcoming launches like liquid venture capital. If you want practical guidance on how alternatives can improve portfolio diversification and how to access low-cost, diversified strategies, this episode is for you.

Key takeaways:

 * Traditional hedge funds often charge high fees that can erode net returns; low-cost alternatives are increasingly viable.
 * The liquid alternatives category has grown rapidly but faces significant structural and classification challenges.
 * Alternatives (global macro, managed futures, etc.) offer true diversification when understood and implemented correctly.
 * Accurately tracking hedge fund positions is difficult but essential for replicating exposures and assessing risk.
 * Advisors should evaluate how alternative strategies fit within overall portfolio construction, focusing on cost, diversification, and implementation.

Connect with us!

 * Bob Elliott on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ttoillebob/]
 * Bob Elliott on X [https://x.com/BobEUnlimited]
 * Unlimited Funds Website [https://unlimitedfunds.com/]
 * Shana Orczyk Sissel on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shsissel/]
 * Shana Orczyk Sissel on X [https://x.com/shanas621]
 * Banríon Capital Management [https://www.banrioncapital.com/]

What's the Alternative? | Episode 28 |  Unmasking Hedge Funds: Low-Cost Alternatives & Global Macro Secrets with Bob Elliott

In this episode of The Alternative Mason, Brittany Mason chats with John Davi — founder of Astoria Portfolio Advisors and one of the sharpest minds in the ETF world. John shares how growing up in Queens shaped his hustle, how early stints at Merrill Lynch and Morgan Stanley fueled his love for markets, and what drove him to launch Astoria back in 2017.

They dive into how Astoria blends macro insights with quantitative research, what it’s really like to build an independent firm from the ground up, and where John sees the next big wave — from alternative investments to the rise of AI in finance.

Key Takeaways:

 * Diversification is Crucial: It's the only free lunch in the market. A well-diversified portfolio can protect against market volatility.
 * Blend of Macro and Quant: Astoria's approach of marrying macro insights with quantitative research offers a unique edge in financial strategies.
 * Embrace Innovation: John Davi emphasizes the role of AI and crypto in modern investment strategies, highlighting their potential to transform portfolios.
 * Calculated Risk-Taking: Davi advises taking calculated risks for higher rewards, a strategy that has propelled his success.

Connect with us below!

 * John Davi on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-davi-93414510/]
 *  Astoria Portfolio Advisors [https://www.astoriaadvisors.com/]
 * Brittany Mason on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-mason-15811641/]
 * Banríon Capital Management [https://www.banrioncapital.com/]

The Alternatives Mason: Building Alts Knowledge Brick by Brick | Episode 30 | The Astoria Story: Investment Strategies and Entrepreneurship with John Davi

In this episode of 'What's the Alternative?', Shana Orczyk Sissel, founder and CEO of Banrion Capital Management, chats with Jeremy Schwartz, Global Chief Investment Officer at WisdomTree. They delve into their groundbreaking collaboration—a cutting-edge ETF model that blends traditional investments with innovative alternatives. Discover how a 60/40 portfolio can be supercharged with a 20% allocation to alternatives through the concept of return stacking. The discussion highlights the strategic use of leverage, the benefits of WisdomTree's open architecture approach, and the pivotal role of Quorus in seamless model implementation.

The conversation between Shana and Jeremy provides valuable insights into how innovative approaches and collaborations can redefine the world of alternative investments. To learn more about WisdomTree and their offerings, interested parties can reach out to the contacts provided in the show notes.

Key Takeaways:

 * Return  Stacking: WisdomTree's  approach to integrating alternative investments allows for enhanced return  potential without compromising core equity positions.
 * Understanding Leverage: Leverage, if used intelligently, can be a powerful tool in portfolio management, providing ample opportunity for gains.
 * Diversification through Alternatives:  Incorporating a well-selected mix of alternative investments can diversify  a portfolio, reduce risk, and enhance returns.
 * Efficient Implementation: Collaborations with platforms like Quorus make it easier for advisors to  integrate and manage complex investment models efficiently.

Connect with us!

 * Jeremy Schwartz on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-d-schwartz/]
 *  WisdomTree Website [https://www.wisdomtree.com/investments]
 * Quorus Website [https://www.quorus.io/]
 * Shana Orczyk Sissel on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shsissel/]
 * Banríon Capital Management [https://www.banrioncapital.com/]

What's the Alternative? | Episode 27 |  Stacking the Deck: Redefining Alternative ETF Models with Jeremy Schwartz

Join host Brittany Mason, President and Chief Marketing Officer of Banríon Capital Management, on a captivating journey through the world of alternative investments. In "The Alternative Mason," Brittany dives deep into the stories of thought leaders and pioneers in the finance industry, exploring their unique relationships with money and the pivotal moments that shaped their careers.

With a focus on education, which is at the heart of Banríon's mission, this podcast unpacks the complexities of alternative investments, making them accessible and relatable to all. Each episode offers listeners an aspirational glimpse into the motivations and passions that drive these financial experts, revealing how alternative strategies have transformed their views on investing.

Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting out, "The Alternative Mason" invites you to engage with inspiring stories that illuminate the diverse paths in finance and the potential of alternatives to enhance your investment portfolio. Tune in for enlightening discussions and practical insights that empower you to scale your investment knowledge and confidence.

The Alternatives Mason: Building Alts Knowledge Brick by Brick

Welcome to "What's the Alternative?" hosted by Shana Orczyk Sissel, Founder and CEO of Banríon Capital Management, and widely known as the “Queen of Alternatives.” In this insightful podcast, Shana engages with leaders who are redefining the landscape of alternative investments, diving into the intricacies of strategies that often leave investors perplexed or hesitant.

Each episode tackles complex and sophisticated topics, bringing clarity to misunderstood products in the alternative space. Shana isn’t afraid to confront controversy or current events, posing the tough questions that many are thinking but few dare to ask. Through candid conversations with industry experts, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics at play in alternative investments and how these strategies can fit into their portfolios.

Join Shana as she unveils the realities of investing in alternatives, educating and empowering listeners to navigate this vital sector with confidence. Whether you’re an experienced investor or exploring new opportunities, “What's the Alternative?” promises to deliver thought-provoking discussions that challenge the status quo and elevate your investment IQ.

What's the Alternative? Meet the Manager

Alternative investments don’t have to be complicated. Banrion Capital Management helps simplify investing in alternatives.

Banrion Capital Management

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